Although I’m somewhat new to First Book, I wanted to share my story of the first time I read to my niece, which happened about a year ago. The experience reminded me why First Book’s work is so important.

I drove up to Pennsylvania for a visit with my older sister and brother-in-law, but mostly to see my three-year-old niece, Elyssa. After a full day of playing with Elyssa – everything from playing with Dora the Explorer dolls to giving pony rides on my back – it was time for bed. I don’t think three-year olds have any desire to go to bed – ever. As Elyssa cried and screamed on her way upstairs, it was pretty obvious that this little girl was no exception. About an hour later, my sister returned with Elyssa in her arms. She sat Elyssa in my lap and said (in her older sister ‘I’m-gonna-get-you-for-this’ voice) “You got her all worked up! Here you go, Uncle Marc.”

What could I do? I smiled and looked at my niece, looked back at my sister and asked Elyssa, “Do you want to play?” She nodded with a cute, but diabolical, smile and off we went to pretend in Dora the Explorer-land. When I noticed she was getting sleepy, I asked her if we should go and play in her room. Getting a positive response, I whisked Elyssa up in my arms and carried her back upstairs.

Once in her room I sat her down and closed the door slightly, so the world of make-believe wouldn’t be interrupted. I was growing tired myself; playing games like you’re a three year old really takes a lot out of you. It was then that I noticed it – a copy of The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss sitting nearby. I couldn’t go wrong with this, I thought. I picked it up and showed Elyssa the cover asking, “Do you want me to read this to you?” She looked at it, looked back at me, took the book from my hand and climbed in to her tiny bed (it’s literally only three feet long).

Of course, I had to get in to bed with her; I couldn’t very well read from the floor (and just try to imagine a 6’1” uncle snuggled up with his little niece in a bed that size). Comfort aside, away we went to the wonderful world of Dr. Seuss. I hadn’t ever read to a child before, so I didn’t really know how to do it, but I figured that using funny voices and soothing tones would help lull Elyssa to sleep – and would be somewhat entertaining. After a few minutes, I could see my technique was working! When I finished Cat in the Hat, I grabbed the closest book I could find. It was called Love You Forever and I began to read it in a soft, whispering voice.

Halfway through the book Elyssa drifted off to sleep and I tried to climb out of the uncomfortable bed. She must have felt me moving and didn’t want me to go, because she leapt out of bed and onto the floor in a Spider Man-like move. Unable to really stand, or even open her eyes completely, Elyssa wanted me to know that I was not to leave; it was NOT time for bed.

“Sweetie, I’m just getting comfy, I’m not going anywhere,” I explained and helped her back into bed, this time choosing to read the story from a more strategic spot on the floor. I started the book over, whispering the touching words from the Love You Forever book and soon enough, Elyssa was sound asleep. Not wanting to wake her, I crawled out of the room.

I walked downstairs to rejoin my sister after being gone for about 30 minutes. I looked at my sister and said with a smile, “That wasn’t so hard.” But as you can imagine, she wasn’t all that amused.

It wasn’t until after this visit that I realized the power that comes from reading – for grown ups as well as for children. Reading is a great way to bond with the little people in your life. So, read to your kids, read to your friends’ kids, read to the kids in your neighborhood. There really is no better feeling and it can make a lifetime of difference!